Al's big audio equipment blow out...

[Al N.]

Folks-

 

I have an Arcam FMJ CD23 and matching FMJ Tuner available....want to buy some 801 Matrix S3 speakers for my "big" system and the responsible thing to do is get rid of some of the "little" system.

 

The CD23 was a very well reviewed player that used dCS's "Ring DAC" technology. Here's an excerpt from a Stereophile review...

 

"Conclusion

The Arcam Alpha 9 CD player, on which the FMJ CD23 is based, earned a Class B rating in Stereophile's "Recommended Components." Arcam's attempt at morphing it into a snazzier-looking unit seems to have done no harm—the FMJ CD23 offers outstanding performance. I didn't get to spend any time with an Alpha 9, but it would seem that the more-than-cosmetic changes made could give the CD23 an edge.

 

Is it worth the $400 price hike above its progenitor, the Alpha 9? Probably. It does look quite elegant, and the changes are substantive—the front panel itself adds structural integrity, and the doubled power supply and damped chassis add considerable value. Either player would be an excellent choice as your last CD player.

 

Your last CD player? You betcha. Some day, the new high-resolution formats (DVD-Audio, SACD) will reach such a state of maturity that you'll be able to buy a single player that plays them all, along with your library of CDs, with stunning sonic clarity (or should I say, "perfect sound forever"?). And someday after that, there'll be enough compelling software in these new formats—and at popular prices—to make owning such a player a reasonable investment. But until that day, you're still going to be playing your old CDs and buying new ones.

 

Me too—which is why I'm buying the review sample. I need a killer CD player now."

 

http://www.arcam.co.uk/archive/fmj/products/cd23.html

 

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I am the first and only private owner...the unit was a dealer demo. As such, there is some wear and tear on a few of the front panel buttons that I price into the asking figure.

 

New, the player was $2250

Now, it's just $850 (would be $1000, but I'm factoring for button wear).

 

Functionally perfect, and I have the original box, manual, and remote.

 

Also have FMJ Tuner...Never used...comes with better remote that also controls CD player.

 

-Al

[stevet]

Al, FWIW, I've shifted a bunch of used electronic stuff on Craigslist...

[Al N.]

I've used Audiogon and Ebay, but thought I'd try this too...